Auger support stand

ABSTRACT

A rotary auger support stand for holding objects such as decoys above the ground. The auger support stand includes at least one rod of longitudinal support member or shaft. The rotary auger anchor comprises a helical coil for screwing that end of the stake into the ground. handle means such as an S-shaped handle provides a crank handle for rotatably screwing the anchor into the ground or at least two opposing legs extend perpendicular from and between the shaft and auger forming a base. The distal end of opposing legs are bent upward perpendicular from the ground or bent upward and inwardly at an acute angle toward the shaft forming handles for rotating the auger into the ground. The transverse legs extending from the elongated support pole provides a base bearing against the ground for increased lateral support. The top distal end of the shaft includes means for supporting an object.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 10,724,672 which issuedon Jul. 28, 2020 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/239,624 filed on Jan.4, 2019 which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of support stands forsupporting objects above the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Duck hunters often use decoys for attracting ducks during a duck hunt.The decoys are typically displayed near or in the water and many areanimated, that is, many decoys are provided with movable wings and headswhich may or may not be motorized. Often times, decoys are attached to apole or stake which holds the decoy in a preferred position which islikely to attract ducks. The decoy may be held above the water so thatthe motion of the wings gives the appearance of a duck landing on thewater. Therefore, it is a requirement that the stake which holds theduck be firmly connected to the ground. Some decoy stakes have only onespiked end. Other decoy stakes have two spikes which are shoved into theground: a stout primary spike and a lighter secondary parallel spike,the two spikes being simultaneously shoved into the ground. The stoutspike gives the stake strength and rigidity and the lighter spikeprevents the stake from spinning in the ground.

Decoy stakes are available from numerous sporting goods outlets whichare similar in form to the stakes described above. However, theapplicant is unaware of any decoy stakes available or any patents whichinclude all of the elements and limitations of the herein describedinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rotary auger support stand for holding objects such as decoys abovethe ground. The auger support stand includes at least one rod oflongitudinal support member or shaft. The rotary auger anchor comprisesa helical coil for screwing that end of the stake into the ground. AnS-shaped handle provides a crank handle for rotatably screwing theanchor into the ground, or at least two opposing legs extendperpendicular from and between the shaft and auger forming a base. Thedistal end of opposing legs are bent upward perpendicular from theground forming handles and/or bent upward and inward at an acute angletoward the elongated vertical member or shaft forming brace handles forrotating the auger into the ground. The transverse legs extending fromthe elongated support pole provides a base bearing against the groundfor increased lateral support. The top distal end of the shaft includesmeans for supporting an object.

The present invention is for a rotary auger decoy stand comprising orconsisting of an elongated vertical rod having a helical spiral coilextending downward therefrom a selected distance for penetration intothe ground, and at least one “S” shaped loop extending from a topportion of said rod comprising at least two looped sections spaced apartfrom and in vertical alignment with one another for receiving a supportmember extending from a decoy.

A decoy stake for holding one or more in position to attract animals.The stake may comprise one shaft or two shaft portions that are fixedtogether by a clamping means. The shaft includes a helical coil at thebottom end for fixedly screwing that end of the stake into the ground.The top end of the stake has a central rod including an S-shaped handleproviding a crank handle for screwing the shaft into the ground and atleast two square receivers extending upward and outward from the centralrod below the S-shaped handle for holding additional shafts with decoysmounted thereon. The shafts and shaft portions may have a round orsquare cross-section.

In accordance with the present invention, the decoy support stand caninclude multiple decoy attachment or holding means extending from asupport shaft or stake comprising, consisting of, or consistingessentially of a lower stake portion having a first elongated rod with ahelical coil formed at a bottom end thereof, a first receiver tube withclamping means at the top end thereof and an upper stake portionincluding a second elongated rod having a decoy fixed at the top end, anS-shaped crank handle formed therein within about five inches of a topend thereof. The second elongated rod has at least two decoy receivertubes including clamping screws and extending outwards from below theS-shaped crank handle. The receiver tubes are canted upwards at an angleof fifteen to thirty degrees. Each of the at least two decoy receivertubes removably and fixedly hold a rod/decoy combination comprising anelongated decoy rod with a decoy fixedly mounted at a first end and asecond end being free. The free end of the second elongated rod of theupper stake portion is inserted into and removably and fixedly held bythe first receiver tube of the lower stake portion with clamping meansat the top end of the lower stake portion. The first elongated rod andthe second elongated rod are one to four feet long.

When compared to a stake with one or two straight spikes, a helical coilis a superior form of attachment to the ground for a decoy stake. Astake screwed into soil provides a more stable anchor than a straightshaft of the same length engaging the ground. Moreover, the hunting areamay be swampy or in a shallow lake or pond where the ground is muddy andsoft. Sticking a spike into mud is not as secure as a connection made byscrewing in a helical coil, even in the mud.

A preferred embodiment of the helical auger. A helix is a curve in threedimensional space having a tangent line and any point which makes aconstant angle with a fixed line called the axis. The pitch of a helixis the width of one complete helix turn, measured parallel to the axisof the helix. A circular helix has a constant radius and constant bandcurvature and constant torsion.

The present invention comprises a helical auger formed of square orcylindrical bar stock including an inner bend diameter of a selectedsize such as ¼ inch bar stock, 3/16 inch bar stock, ½ inch bar stock, ⅝inch bar stock, and ⅜ inch bar stock; a helical pitch of 2.0 for 3.5revolutions; a variable pitch of 3.0 for 0.25 revolutions; and a pitchdiameter of 1.375 inches having a helical pitch of 2.0.

Thus in order to obtain a specific 30 degree angle at the bottom of thescrew, the helical pitch as to vary from a constant 2 inches perrevolution to 3 inches per revolution from section 2 to section 3. Thusthe auger has a helical pitch of 2.0 at section 1 for 3.5 revolutions; ahelical pitch at section 2 of 2.0 which changes to a variable pitch of3.0 at section 3 for 0.25 revolutions. The pitch diameter is 1.375inches.

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable and reusabledecoy holder stand which includes a helical coil at one end which can bescrewed into the ground.

It is an object of this invention to provide a decoy support stand whichincludes an integral crank handle for the purpose of screwing the standinto the ground.

It is an object of this invention to provide an integral crank handlefor the purpose of screwing the stand into the ground wherein the crankhandle services to support the arm of a decoy substantially verticallywith respect to the ground.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a decoy holderwherein the integral handle serves to support the decoy in a restedposition.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an integralhandle decoy rest at an upper end of a shaft extending upwardly from thespiral auger wherein the handle decoy rest can be bent at a selectedangle to hold the decoy in a selected position with respect to thesurface of the ground.

It is an object of this invention to provide a multiple decoy stake witha helical coil at one end and a crank handle which can be used to threadthe coil into the ground, thus forming a rigid connection with theground and providing secure support for a decoy.

It is an object of this invention to provide a multiple decoy stake witha helical coil at the bottom end and a crank handle at the top end andalso including at least two receiver tubes extending upwards andoutwards from the shaft for holding rods which have additional decoysattached.

It is an object of this invention to provide a multiple decoy stake witha helical coil at the bottom end and a crank handle at the top end, thestake having two portions which are assembled to one another and heldtogether by a clamp means. The clamp means is either a clamping screw oran eccentric lobe operated by a lever.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had uponreference to the following description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like partsthroughout the views wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the decoy mounting support stand havingan integrally formed handle, shaft and auger section;

FIG. 2 is a front view of decoy mounting stand embodiment showingcooperatively engaging elongated member sections forming a verticalshaft;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the decoy mounting stand of FIG. 2 including afoot rest cross bar extending from one side of the elongated supportmember;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the support stand of FIG. 1 wherein a meansfor holding a decoy affixed to the elongated support member defining arod or shaft comprising a receiver having an eccentric lobe actuated bya lever holding the support member arm of a decoy in an upper sleeveportion;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thereceiver having an eccentric lobe actuated by a lever holds the supportmember arm of a decoy in an upper sleeve portion affixed to the rod orshaft;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thereceiver having an eccentric lobe actuated by a lever holds the supportmember arm of a decoy in an upper sleeve portion affixed to the rod orshaft;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the receiver cam mechanism providingholding and retaining means for releasably engaging and holding an armor other support member of a decoy to the support stand;

FIG. 8 is shows a side view of the receiver cam mechanism;

FIG. 9 is shows a front view of the receiver cam mechanism;

FIG. 10 is shows a perspective view of the receiver cam mechanism;

FIG. 11 is shows a top view of the receiver cam mechanism;

FIG. 12 is shows a sectional view of the receiver cam mechanism showinga cylindrical cam head pivotally held by a pin and peripheral collarextending around the cam body providing a biasing flange member incooperative engagement with the head of the cam lever securely retainingsame against an arm or projection of an object supported thereby;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the receiver of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the a multiple decoys fixed on the upperportion of the stake;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the upper end of the upper portion of thestake particularly showing the square receivers and the S-shaped crankhandle;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a rotary auger helix having a straighttop portion and a main body portion comprising a helix formed of stockhaving a square cross-section having a distal point cut creating a wedgeshaped tip;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the rotary auger of FIG. 16 showing the angleof the twists forming the flights of the helix stock surface and theangle of the wedge shaped tip;

FIG. 18 is a bottom end view of the rotary auger of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the rotary auger support of FIG. 16 having arectangular, or square cross section showing the straight top portiondefining a tubular adapter extending from the top for cooperativeengagement with a corresponding tube or bar stock shaft of an article tobe supported thereon

FIG. 20 is a rear view of a rotary auger support of FIG. 16 having arectangular, or square cross section showing the straight top portiondefining a tubular adapter extending from the top for cooperativeengagement with a corresponding tube or bar stock shaft of an article tobe supported thereon;

FIG. 21 shows the support stand comprising of two sections whichslidably and cooperatively engages a corresponding sized and shapedsecond section with a integral loop handle formed at the top of thestand;

FIG. 22 shows an integral loop handle disposed at a bottom position ofthe vertical rod above the auger;

FIG. 23 shows a handle disposed at a middle position on the rod withrespect to the top distal end and auger;

FIG. 24 shows a socket or sleeve holding means including a D-ring;

FIG. 25 shows the support stand comprising three sections;

FIG. 26 shows a decoy supported by an arm in cooperative slidingengagement with a sleeve mounted onto the top distal end of the rod;

FIG. 27 shows the assembled support stand sections of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 shows a top distal end adapter or mounting means comprising asquare rod with a locking pin;

FIG. 29 shows a top distal end adapter comprising a cap.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the cap adapter of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod including an adapter depicted as a cylindricalsleeve on the top distal end thereof and a plurality of lateral supportlegs disposed normal thereto forming a base above the spiral with thelegs including upturned distal end arm portions forming handles;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod which extends upwardly forming an integral supportrod, handle, and mounting or holding means for a decoy extending from atop distal end thereof and a plurality of lateral support legs disposednormal thereto forming a base above the spiral with the legs includingupturned distal end arm portions forming handles;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a rotary ground auger base and standincluding a telescoping shaft having a plurality of coaxial rodsdisposed therein which can be extended and held in position at aselected height by a pin extending through corresponding holes formed inthe shafts at selected locations;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod including an adapter defining a sleeve having asquare cross sectional area disposed on the top distal end thereof and aplurality of lateral support legs disposed normal thereto forming a baseabove the spiral with the legs including upturned distal end armportions forming handles;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a rotary auger helix having a straighttop portion and a main body portion comprising a helix formed of stockhaving a cylindrical cross-section having a distal point cut at an angleforming a wedge shaped tip;

FIG. 36 is a front view of the rotary auger of FIG. 35 showing the angleof the twists forming the flights of the helix stock surface and theangle of the tip;

FIG. 37 is a bottom end view of the rotary auger of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the rotary auger support of FIG. 35 showingthe top, main body, and bottom portions;

FIG. 39 is a rear view of a rotary auger support of FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 shows the rotary ground auger base and stand showing thetransverse or lateral support legs disposed normal thereto above thespiral including upturned distal end portions bent inwardly or welded atselected acute angles extending inwardly toward the elongated verticalcenter rod a selected length forming braces which function as handles torotate the auger into the ground;

FIG. 41 shows the rotary ground auger base and stand showing a pluralityof lateral support legs having support members extending from thelateral legs at a selected acute angle toward the elongated verticalelongated support member;

FIG. 42 shows the rotary ground auger base and stand showing theupturned distal end portions forming handles on one pair of opposinglegs and a second pair of opposing legs having the distal ends bentinwardly at selected acute angles toward the elongated vertical centerrod with the distal ends welded thereto forming braces;

FIG. 43 shows a support stand having a top plate and a helical coilauger extending from bottom end with four opposing transverse legmembers with braces and a coupling holding portions of the support standshaft together;

FIG. 44 shows the support stand of FIG. 43 including a feeder box.

FIG. 45 shows a support stand showing cooperatively engageable verticalsupport stand member sections;

FIG. 46 shows a multi-hanger support stand having two sections supportedby a base including transverse legs having handle braces and a helicalauger;

FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of a support member showing the helical coilauger and transverse leg base with upturned distal end portions bentinwardly at selected acute angles toward the elongated vertical centerrod and having the distal ends welded thereto forming braces whichfunction as handles to rotate the auger into the ground;

FIG. 48 shows a set of opposing detachable leg and brace members held inreceiving slots or sockets which are removable for storage and shipping;

FIG. 49 shows a multi-hanger support stand having two sections supportedby a base including transverse legs having handle braces and a helicalauger;

FIG. 50 is a front view of an archery bow holding stand;

FIG. 51 is an rear view of the archery bow holding stand of FIG. 51; and

FIG. 52 is an enlarged view of the fork extending from the top portionof the archery bow holding stand of FIG. 51.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A rotary auger support stand is provided for holding objects above theground. The auger support stand includes at least one rod oflongitudinal support member or shaft. The rotary auger anchor comprisinga helical coil for screwing the stand into the ground. The helical coilcan be integrally formed or welded to the bottom end of the shaft orremovably affixed with a threaded bolt cooperatively engaging a centerhole, stud coaxially received within a tube, and/or other conventionalmeans known in the art. In addition to the helical coil anchor, anoptional base including at least three transverse legs extending outwardfrom bottom of the stand above anchor can be used for rotating thehelical coil into the ground. The transverse legs extending from thesupport shaft may include braces for increased lateral support which canalso function as handles.

As used herein, the term “about” can be reasonably appreciated by aperson skilled in the art to denote somewhat above or somewhat below thestated numerical value, to within a range of +10%.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decoystake which holds a duck decoy in position for attracting ducks during aduck hunt.

The rotary auger decoy stand has a medial portion comprising anelongated rod and a bottom portion comprising a helical spiral coilhaving a point extending downward from the elongated rod for a selecteddistance for penetration into the ground. The top portion defines adecoy arm rest support comprising at least one curved “S” shaped loopportion extending upwardly from a top distal end of the elongated rod,the “S” shaped loop portion including a first straight section extendingoutwardly from the elongated rod at a selected angle from the top distalend of the elongated rod. A first curved end section extends from adistal end of the first straight section returning 180 degrees extendinginwardly toward the elongated rod forming a second straight sectionspaced apart, parallel, and in alignment with the first straight sectionextending past the elongated rod. A second opposing curved end sectionreturns 180 degrees extending inwardly forming a third straight sectionextending from the second opposing curved end section spaced apart,parallel, and in alignment with the first straight section and thesecond straight section.

More particularly, the present invention and depicted in FIG. 1, thereis provided a rotary auger decoy stand 10 which holds a decoy 24 inposition above the ground for the intended user. The integral handledecoy includes a holding means, support or rest 16 located at an upperend of a vertical longitudinal member defining a rod or shaft 11extending upwardly from a auger 14 comprising a helical coil 12 whereinthe decoy 24 includes a support member or arm 25 can be bent at aselected angle to hold the decoy in a selected position with respect tothe surface of the ground.

The rotary auger decoy mounting stand 10 provides a portable outdoorrest for removably holding a decoy upright on the ground. The standincludes an above ground upright rod or shaft 11 having a bottom portionfor insertion into the ground comprising a helical coil 16 forming anauger 14 having a point 18 at the lower distal end to be fixedly andremovably screwed into the ground 20 to support the stand 10 in anupright position. The top end of the rod 11 forming the stand bodydefines a handle comprising an S-shaped loop configured, sized andshaped and disposed at a selected angle ranging from 0 to 180 degreesfrom a vertical position to support an arm 30 of a decoy 32 holding thedecoy in a substantially vertical position above the ground. Theintegral loop handle 22 which supports the is decoy serves as meansrotating the auger 14 into the ground.

A short segment of the shaft or elongated rod extends above the integralcrank handle 22 to support an arm 25 of a decoy 24 substantiallyvertically with respect to the ground. As shown in the figures, a decoy24 is removably held in position whereby the weight of the decoy 24 issupported by holding means defining a sleeve 26 extending from thedistal end of a handle 22 defining an S-shaped loop. The integral handle22 extends from a top portion of the support rod 11 from the verticalaxis a selected first length 35 and includes a bottom first horizontalportion 30 extending outwardly from the rod 11 at a selected angle atabout a right angle of 90 degrees. A middle second horizontal portion 31extends upwardly over, spaced apart from, and in parallel alignment withthe bottom first horizontal portion 30 a selected second length 36 whichis twice a long as the selected first length 35. A curved or bent bottomconnecting first curved portion 32 connects the outer end of the bottomfirst horizontal portion 30 with an outer end of the middle secondhorizontal portion 31 extending past the vertical axis of the shaft 11.An upper horizontal portion 33 extends upwardly over, spaced apart fromand in parallel alignment with the middle second horizontal portion 31.A curved or bent bottom connecting second curved portion 34 connects theouter end of the middle second horizontal portion 31 with an outer endof the upper second horizontal portion 33. The upper horizontal portion33 extends inwardly toward the vertical axis of the shaft 11 a thirdlength 37 which is equal to the first length 35, curving upward forminga top distal end 13 of the rod or shaft 11 in alignment in alignmenttherewith.

A short lever, cross member, or bar 28 can be affixed to a lower portionof the rod 11 for providing a foot rest to aid in penetrating thesurface of the ground and for aiding in rotation of the support stand.

The holding means 16 for removably retaining and tightening a decoy arm25 in cooperative engagement comprises a sleeve or more preferably a cammechanism 60. As shown in FIGS. 7-15, the cam mechanism 60 includes ahollow square body 64 affixed to the top distal end 13 of the rod orshaft 13 extending above the handle 22. The cam body 64 includes anopening in a side wall on one side so that a lever 66 having acylindrical cam head 68 is pivotally held by a pin 69 in alignment withthe opening 65 in the cam body 64 by a peripheral collar 70 extendingaround the cam body 64 providing cooperative engagement with the head ofthe cam lever when the cam lever is pivoted outwardly normal therefrombiasing the cam lock against a the arm 25 member held therein securelyretaining same against the distal end 13 of the shaft 11.

The cam mechanism may also include a strip or flap of metal 65 whichextends from the cam body in alignment with the cam head wherebyrotation of the cam head biases the flap 65 against the arm 25 of thedecoy 24 removing securing same to the distal end 13 of the supportstand 10.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a multiple decoy stake includes a two part rod,including and upper portion 914 and a lower portion 920. The free lowerend of the upper portion 914 is inserted into a receiver tube 922 at thetop end of the lower portion 920 which includes a clamping means toremovably and fixedly hold the upper portion 914 within the lowerportion 920.

The upper portion of a multiple decoy stake which includes an elongatedshaft 914. The lower portion 920 of the shaft terminates at the bottomend in the shape of a helical coil 930. Further, the rod 921 includes areceiver tube 922 at the top distal end, with an adapter tube portion222 and an eccentric lobe 224 actuated by a lever 228. The helical coil930 can be welded onto the end of a rod or fabricated by twisting therod 11 in order to produce an integral one piece auger, rod, and handleassembly. The distal end of the rod 920 typically includes a pointed end950 for piercing the ground.

Below the handle 915 are two receiver tubes 960 which extend outward andare canted upward by an angle of preferably 15 to 30 degrees. Eachreceiver tube 960 includes a clamping screw 962 for fixedly butremovably holding rods 913. Each of the rods 913 contains another decoy912. The bottom end of upper shaft portion 914 is inserted into thereceiver tube 922 at the top end of the lower shaft portion 920 and islocked into position by moving the clamp lever 928 downwards, thusforcing the eccentric lobe 924 against the upper shaft portion 914.

Multiple decoy replaces the receiver tube with an alternate receivertube which uses a clamping screw rather than an eccentric lobe to holdthe upper shaft portion fixed to the lower shaft portion.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-20, the rotary auger comprises a helicalspiral 310 that includes an above ground upright rod or shaft topportion 11 with an auger 14 having an offset neck 314 connecting to amain body portion 302 comprising a plurality of helixes 316. A distalend segment 303 comprises a half helix ending in a sharp point 318. Amain body portion helixes 316 is comprised of bar stock having a squarecross sectional area. The corners 321 or the square bar stock formcutting edges 323 when the stock is bent or formed into a helix. Onepreferred embodiment of the instant invention includes a main bodyportion 302 having three full helixes and a tip portion 303 comprising ahalf helix. The neck 314 of the helix is angled inwardly toward thecenter of the main body portion 302 in order to center the shaft topportion 312 with respect to the main body portion 302. The neck portionincludes a helix first segment 331, a short straight inward angledsecond segment 332, a straight angled third segment 333, a shortstraight outward angled fourth segment 334, connecting to a verticalstraight top segment 312 of a desired length.

The helical spiral rotary auger 310 has a bottom portion for insertioninto the ground comprising a helical coil 316 having cutting edges witha wedge point 318 at the lower distal end to be fixedly and removablyscrewed into the ground 20. Formation of the helical auger 310 from arod of bar stock having a square or rectangular cross-sectional areaforms an auger with plane surfaces which can obtain purchase with loosesoil or sand like flights yet the tight helical formation provides atight spiral and small tight cross section enabling the auger to rotatein clay soil, rocky soil, or soil having roots whereby the helical coil316 can slide around and between obstacles to penetrate the ground.

The cutting edges of the square stock embodiment of the helix enable theauger to cut through soil and debris for ease of rotation and deepground penetration which includes the desirable features of helixflights. Moreover, the auger of the present invention is an improvementover the flights of conventional augers in that the narrow diameter ofthe stock and diameter of the flights enables the auger to cut and drillthrough small openings in rocky soil and wedge between rocks. The squarestock helical spiral 310 of the present invention can be rotatablyinserted into hard clay which would resist penetration by an augerhaving planar flights.

A preferred embodiment of the helical auger includes a top verticalportion for mounting an adapter or article to be supported thereon, aneck, a main body portion and a tip portion including a distal endforming a wedge or pointed segment. An inner bend diameter of a selectedsize such as 1/16 to 1.0 inches, and more preferably is selected from ¼inch bar stock, 3/16 inch bar stock, ½ inch bar stock, ⅝ inch bar stock,and ⅜ inch bar stock. The rotary auger support includes an effectivehelical pitch. One preferred embodiment includes a helical pitch of 2for every 3.5 revolutions and a variable pitch of 3.0 for every 0.25revolutions. A pitch diameter of 1.375 inches has a helical pitch of 2.0inches. As best illustrated in FIGS. 16-20, the angle of the twistsforming the flights of the helix of the main body portion are angledforming a plane at about 30 degrees shown as angle “A”, however, therange could extend from 15 to 45 degrees.

The square bar stock is ⅜ inch in width and the distal end of the tipforming a penetrating or cutting edge is cut at a about a 33 degreeangle, Angle “B”, forming an angled wedge of ⅝ inch in length forming atip comprising a cutting wedge point 18 for easy insertion into rockyground and grounds containing roots. It is contemplated that the angleof the wedge could range from 15 to 45 degrees depending upon theapplication. The top section 501 is about 4 inches in length, the mainbody portion 502 comprises four helixes totaling seven inches in length,and the bottom section 503 is about 0.625 inches in length. A round orpointed tip 518 may also be utilized for particular types of substratessuch as clay soil.

FIG. 21 shows the support stand 10 wherein the rod 11 comprise of twosections whereby a first section 213 is comprises at least a mid endtubular section which slidably and cooperatively engages a correspondingsized and shaped second section 215. The sections may include acorresponding hole and pin assembly 215 or include distal threadedmembers for holding the sections together.

FIGS. 22-29 show a looped handle and more particularly an “S-shaped”handle 22 integrally formed from a portion of the elongated verticalsupport member. In selected embodiments, the handle is disposed at alower position on the rod 11 with respect to the auger 14 wherein ahelical auger of either a cylindrical or a square stock conforms to thedescriptions set forth above and shown in FIG. 16-20 or 35-39. The upperportion of the rod 11 can be of any desired length, but is typically 1-6feet long.

FIG. 24 shows a socket or sleeve holding means 219 including a D-ring220.

FIG. 25 shows the support stand comprising three sections, a top section233, middle section 236, and lower section 234, wherein the rod 233 canbe connected by cooperatively engaging the sections wherein the centersection slides over the lower end of the top section and the upper endof the bottom auger section and is held together by pins 240 insertedthrough correspondingly aligned holes (231 and 237) and (238 and 235) ofthe overlapped portions of the sections as shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 26 shows a decoy 24 supported by an arm 24 in cooperative slidingengagement with a sleeve 219 mounted onto the top distal end of the rod11.

FIG. 28 shows a top distal end adapter or mounting means comprising asquare rod 32 with a locking pin. FIG. 29 shows a top distal end adaptercomprising a cap. FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the cap adapter of FIG.29.

As shown in FIG. 31-34, the rotary ground auger base and stand 710comprises a base having a plurality of transverse legs extending outwardperpendicular to the vertical axis with at least two opposing legsincluding arms 715 extending upward from the distal ends perpendicularthereto in the vertical axis. An elongated shaft 712 with a distal topend 722 having a mounting means or adapter means such as a cylindricalsocket 721, a square sleeve 723, a cap 742, a T-bar 730 arrangement withtie loop or D-ring, or an extending shaft portion at the top extendsfrom a vertical rod or shaft extending from the base which sets on theground. a top distal end including a cap 742 forms a rounded head with ahorizontal disc receives different types of decoys and cameras. A spiralauger helical auger of either cylindrical or square stock conforming tothe descriptions set forth above and shown in FIG. 16-20 or 35-39comprise the auger 720 extending from the bottom of the base andincludes spaced apart opposing laterally extending legs 711, 713, 714and 716 for providing additional lateral support by bracing the standagainst the ground. Legs 713 and 714 are opposite one another as arelegs 711 and 716. Legs 713 and 714 have upward extending arms 715 whichare used as hand cranks to screw the helical coil 720 into the grounduntil the legs are in contact with the ground.

The legs may include support members extending from a selected positionat or near the distal end of the transverse legs which are bent andwelded or are affixed to the distal ends of the transverse legsextending upward over the transverse legs at a selected acute angledefining braces. or brace handles A web or plate may be used and weldedbetween the vertical elongated support member and the transverse legs aswell defining a triangular support or brace 718. It is contemplated thatall four of the legs include upwardly extending arms forming handlesprojecting from the distal ends of each leg; however, at least a pair ofopposing legs are provided with arms for rotation of the auger into theground.

As illustrated in FIGS. 35-39, the rotary auger formed from cylindricalbar stock comprises a helical spiral 510 that includes an above groundupright rod or shaft top portion 511 connecting to an offset neck 514connecting to a main body portion 502 comprising a plurality of helixes516. A distal end segment 503 comprises a half helix ending in a sharppoint 518. A main body portion helixes 516 is comprised of cylindricalbar stock One preferred embodiment of the instant invention includes amain body portion 502 having three full helixes and a tip portion 503comprising a half helix. The neck 514 of the helix is angled inwardlytoward the center of the main body portion 502 in order to center theshaft top portion 501 with respect to the main body portion 502. Theoffset neck portion 514 includes a short vertical top segment 531curving outwardly forming a short segment 532 connecting to the mainhelix 516.

FIGS. 40-47 show embodiments utilizing cylindrical or square stockmaterial to fabricate rotary auger article supporting stands utilizingthe helical auger in combination with a base having at least threetransverse legs extending radially from the support above the auger forproviding lateral support with the ground.

The spiral auger helical auger of either cylindrical or square stockconforms to the descriptions set forth above and shown in FIG. 16-20 or37-41 comprise the auger 720 extending from the bottom of the base andincludes spaced apart radially spaced apart laterally extending legs711, 713, 714 and 716 for providing additional lateral support bybracing the stand against the ground. Legs 713 and 714 are opposite oneanother as are legs 711 and 716. Legs 713 and 714 have upward extendingarms 715 which are used as hand cranks to screw the helical coil 720into the ground until the legs are in contact with the ground. It iscontemplated that augers of a larger or smaller length and/or diametermay be utilized as well so long as they utilize a helix having a mainbody of generally uniform diameter together with means of rotationcomprising transverse legs extending radially from the support memberpositioned directly above the helix providing lateral support and meansfor rotation.

The legs may include support members extending from a selected positionat or near the distal end of the transverse legs which are bent andwelded or are affixed to the distal ends of the transverse legsextending upward over the transverse legs at a selected acute angledefining braces. or brace handles A web or plate may be used and weldedbetween the vertical elongated support member and the transverse legs aswell defining a triangular support or brace 718. It is contemplated thatall four of the legs include upwardly extending arms forming handlesprojecting from the distal ends of each leg; however, at least a pair ofopposing legs are provided with arms for rotation of the auger into theground.

The rotary auger support stand holds objects such as decoys above theground. The auger support stand includes at least one rod oflongitudinal support member or shaft. The rotary auger anchor comprisesa helical coil for screwing that end of the stake into the ground. Theauger may be a integral part of the elongated support member or formedfrom interconnecting cooperatively engaging sections. The support rodmay also be formed from cooperatively engaging interconnecting pieces.At least two to six and preferably four spaced apart legs extendperpendicular from and between the shaft and auger forming a base. Thedistal end of opposing legs are bent upward perpendicular from theground or bent upward and inwardly at an acute angle toward the shaftforming handles for rotating the auger into the ground. Although notcritical, the distal ends of the legs can be affixed to the supportshaft by welding of other conventional fastening means such as rivets orbolts. The transverse legs extending from the elongated support poleprovides a base bearing against the ground for increased lateralsupport. The top distal end of the shaft includes means for supportingan object.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod with a plurality of transverse or lateral supportlegs disposed normal thereto above the spiral including upturned distalend portions bent inwardly or welded at selected acute angles extendinginwardly toward the elongated vertical center rod a selected lengthforming handle 731 which function as handles to rotate the auger intothe ground;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod with a plurality of lateral support legs disposednormal thereto above the spiral including upturned distal end portionsbent upwardly forming brace handles 732 extending from the lateral ortransverse legs 733 at a selected acute angle toward the elongatedvertical elongated support member and having the distal ends affixedthereto by welding forming braces;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the rotary ground auger base and standshowing the spiral auger extending from the lower distal end of thevertical support rod with a plurality of lateral support legs 733disposed normal thereto above the spiral including upturned distal endportions forming handles 715 on one pair of opposing legs and a secondpair of opposing legs having the distal ends bent inwardly at selectedacute angles toward the elongated vertical center rod with the distalends welded thereto forming brace handles 732;

FIGS. 43 and 49 show a rotary ground auger with a top distal end supportplate 734 and a base and elongated support member showing the spiralauger extending from the lower distal end of the vertical support memberwith a plurality of transverse or lateral support legs disposed normalthereto. FIG. 43 includes a helical coil auger and base includingupturned distal end portions angled inwardly at selected acute anglestoward the elongated vertical center rod and affixed thereto by weldingforming braces or brace handles which function as handles to rotate theauger into the ground. FIG. 39 uses an S-shaped handle near the topportion of the shaft as a handle for rotating an integral shaft andauger with a support plate 734 affixed to the top of the shaft bywelding or other means of affixing such as a coupling. A feeder box 735for blocks or seed can be mounted to the support plate 734 as shown inFIG. 43.

As best illustrated in FIG. 45-48, the elongated support member isformed from a single elongated member 736 or can include additionalcooperatively engaging sections 737. A base 730 is supported by an augerformed by a pointed helical coil extending from the lower distal end ofthe vertical support member with a pair of radially extending transversesupport legs 733 disposed normal thereto above the spiral for lateralsupport against the ground and braces or brace handles formed frombending the distal end portions of the transverse legs inwardly at aselected acute angles toward the elongated vertical center rod andaffixed thereto by welding or other means of connecting. The base alsoincludes an integral transverse leg and brace member 739 formed from asupport member bent at a selected medial position or if formed from twosegments welded together to form a leg and brace member 739 having freedistal transverse leg end 752 receiving sleeve 751 and a free downwardangled distal brace 753 end sleeve 755 which are removable andcooperatively engage coupling means such as a socket or sleeve 751, 755sized and shaped for cooperative engagement with the distal free ends inorder that the leg and brace member can be removed for storage orshipping. Retaining means 757 to lock the legs into position such as aset screw, detent, or pin extending through the coupling and legs mayalso be utilized with the stand.

As shown in FIG. 46, a multi-hanger support stand having two sectionssupported by a base wherein a plurality of holding members 763comprising couplings, sockets or sleeves are affixed in spaced apartalignment with or near a top portion 762 of the vertical elongatedsupport member for cooperatively engaging a plurality of hangers 761having free proximate ends 765 sized and shaped for cooperativeengagement with the holding members 763. Free distal ends 767 includinga notch, hook, eyelet or other means for attaching an article therefromextend from the hangers. The shaft comprises two elongated membershaving distal ends cooperatively engaging a coupling formed by a coaxialsleeve 764 with a corresponding sized and shaped insertable male end.

A base including an auger extending from a bottom distal portion andopposing lateral legs is shown in FIG. 47 with the transverse legaffixed to the vertical elongated support member by a welding joint 759and a brace member providing a handle bent extending from the distal endof the leg upward and inward attaching to the elongated support memberby welding of a threaded nut 756. Spaced apart 90 degrees therefrom arebase support members 753 including opposing top and bottom socketsforming a pair of spaced apart aligned brackets extending from theelongated support member above the auger for cooperative engagement withthe distal ends of a pair of removable opposing integral leg and bracemembers;

The rotary ground auger base and stand can include a verticaltelescoping shaft 740 or telescoping rod 742 extending upward from thebase wherein a pin 742 cooperatively engaging through bores or a springloaded detent (ball and socket) arrangement 744 is utilized to hold theshaft at an extended or collapsed condition.

As shown in FIGS. 50-52, an archery bow holding stand includes a forkfor supporting a bow whereby the pivotal fork extends from the topportion of the archery bow holding stand. The rotary auger standincludes an elongated support member, a top distal end including aholding means for supporting a fork, and an auger comprising a helicalspiral coil having a point extending downward from the elongated supportmember at a selected distance for penetration into the ground. A handlefor rotating the rotary auger decoy stand is formed at a selectedposition between the top distal end and the auger. The handle is shownin FIGS. 50-52 as an integral loop at a selected angle ranging from 0 to180 degrees in a vertical plane. The top distal end forms a transversesleeve in cooperative engagement with a cylindrical member. The fork hasa base and at least one pair of spaced apart prongs projecting outwardfrom the base at a selected distance. Means such as a pin or nut isincluded for retaining the cylindrical member in the transverse sleeve.The fork prongs are spaced apart and project outward parallel andequidistance from one another at a right angle from the elongatedsupport member. The prongs project outward at a right angle from theelongated support member and out of alignment with the integral loop inthe vertical plane.

FIG. 52 is an enlarged view of the fork extending from the top portionof the archery bow holding stand of FIG. 51. The rotary auger bowholding stand provides a portable outdoor rest for removably holding abow upright on the ground. The stand includes an above ground uprightrod or shaft 11 having a bottom portion for insertion into the groundcomprising a helical coil forming an auger 12 having a point at thelower distal end to be fixedly and removably screwed into the ground tosupport the stand in an upright position. The medial end of the rod 11above the auger forming the stand body defines a handle comprising anS-shaped loop configured, sized and shaped and disposed at a selectedangle ranging from 0 to 180 degrees from a vertical position having atransverse sleeve 507 for supporting and cooperatively pivotallyengaging a cylindrical member 503 such as a pin or bolt having externalthreads 503 extending from a medial portion 515 of a transverse fork 501pivotal with respect to the vertical shaft for holding a bow in asubstantially vertical position above the ground. The pivotal fork 501optionally includes a rubber, elastomeric or polymer sleeve or slipresistant coating to add in gripping the bow held between the prongs511, 513 of the fork 501.

The rotary auger bow stand said fork extends at a 90 degree angle fromthe elongated vertical rod, and is rotated with respect to saidelongated medial rod for holding a bow at a selected angle with respectto the ground. A second opposing fork can be mounted extending from saidsleeve at a 90 degree angle from said elongated vertical rod to hold asecond bow.

It is anticipated that the shaft portions be made of iron, stainlesssteel, brass, steel, metal alloy, or any material capable of supportingdecoys in windy or turbulent conditions. However, it is alsocontemplated that portions of the multiple decoy stake may be fabricatedfrom carbon fiber, fiberglass, or even molded from high density plasticin an integral form or in individual sections.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from thespirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,this invention is not intended to be limited by the specificexemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to becovered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A rotary auger stand comprising: an elongated support memberhaving at least one section; a top distal end including a holding meansfor supporting a fork mounted thereon; an auger comprising a helicalspiral coil having a point extending downward from said elongatedsupport member at a selected distance for penetration into the ground;handle means for rotating said rotary auger decoy stand formed at aselected position between said top distal end and said auger, saidhandle means comprising an integral loop at a selected angle rangingfrom 0 to 180 degrees in a vertical plane; said holding means of saidtop distal end comprises a transverse sleeve in cooperative engagementwith a cylindrical member; said fork having a base and at least one pairof spaced apart prongs projecting outward from said base at a selecteddistance; and means for retaining said cylindrical member in saidtransverse sleeve.
 2. The rotary auger stand of claim 1, wherein saidtop distal end of said elongated support member includes said transversesleeve for supporting and cooperatively pivotally engaging saidcylindrical member in cooperative pivotal engagement with respect tosaid elongated support member.
 3. The rotary auger stand of claim 1,said base including an opposing cylindrical member extending outward inalignment said at least one pair of spaced apart prongs of said fork. 4.The rotary auger stand of claim 1, wherein said at least one pair ofspaced apart prongs of said fork project outward at a right angle fromsaid elongated support member.
 5. The rotary auger stand of claim 1,wherein said at least one pair of spaced apart prongs project outwardfrom said fork parallel and equidistance from one another.
 6. The rotaryauger stand of claim 1, wherein said at least one pair of spaced apartprongs project outward at a right angle from said elongated supportmember and out of alignment with said integral loop in said verticalplane.
 7. The rotary auger stand of claim 1, wherein said holding meansof said top distal end of said elongated support member includes atransverse sleeve for supporting and cooperatively pivotally engaging acylindrical member in cooperative pivotal engagement with respect tosaid elongated support member.
 8. The rotary auger stand of claim 1,wherein said prongs include a slip resistant coating selected from thegroup consisting of a rubber material, an elastomeric material, apolymer material, and combinations thereof to add in gripping a bow heldbetween said prongs.
 9. The rotary auger stand of claim 1, wherein asecond opposing fork is mounted in cooperative engagement with saidtransverse sleeve to hold a second bow.
 10. The rotary auger stand ofclaim 1, wherein said elongated support member and said bottom sectionare integrally formed from a single elongated rod.
 11. The rotary augerstand of claim 1, wherein said fork is pivotal within said transversesleeve for holding an object at a selected angle with respect to theground.